Flat-Panel Detector Light Guider for Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flat-panel detectors have a low filling rate and reduced detection sensitivity due to the inherent size of thin film transistors, which limits their light absorption area and sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a ray-conversion layer, a photo sensor, and a light guider with a fiber optic taper that increases the light absorption area and sensitivity by converging light from a larger entry surface to a smaller exit surface, overlapping with the photo sensor, and using a reflective layer to prevent light diffusion, along with a read circuit and passivation layers for improved signal reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thin film transistors and PIN photodiodes are used for light absorption and signal reading, then the detector can achieve necessary functions, but the filling rate is reduced due to the inherent size of thin film transistors
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into distinct functional regions: a light absorption region without transistors for high filling rate, and a readout region with thin film transistors for signal processing. This segmentation allows the light absorption area to be maximized while maintaining necessary readout functionality in a separate area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar integration approach to a three-dimensional stacked architecture, placing the light absorption layer above the readout circuit layer. This vertical arrangement allows independent optimization of light absorption area and transistor functionality without lateral interference.
2Ease of operation
If thin film transistors are included in the detector structure, then signal reading is enabled, but the detection sensitivity is reduced due to reduced light absorption area
Solution Approach 1:
The detector structure separates light absorption and signal reading functions into different spatial zones. The light absorption region contains only photodiodes and absorbing materials, maximizing sensitivity, while the readout region contains thin film transistors for signal processing, enabling operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A charge transfer mechanism serves as an intermediary between the light absorption region and readout region. Photogenerated charges are transferred from the high-sensitivity absorption area through transfer electrodes to the readout area, decoupling the sensitivity-determining region from the transistor-containing region.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the filling rate and detection sensitivity of the flat-panel detector, allowing for reduced radiation dose in medical applications and improved protection for medical personnel.
Implementation Method 1
a-ray conversion layer configured to convert a ray into a light having a first wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a photo sensor configured for receiving the light and converting the light to an electrical signal
Implementation Method 3
a light guider having a light entry surface adjacent to the ray-conversion layer and a light exit surface adjacent to the photo sensor, the light entry surface being configured to receive the light from the ray-conversion layer
Data Source
AI summary
A flat-panel detector includes: a ray-conversion layer configured to convert rays into a light having a first wavelength; and a plurality of imaging units. At least one of the plurality of imaging units includes: a photo sensor configured for receiving the light and converting the light to an electrical signal; and a light guider located a side of the photo sensor adjacent to the ray-conversion layer, the light guider having a light entry surface adjacent to the ray-conversion layer and a light exit surface adjacent to the photo sensor, the light entry surface being configured to receive the light from the ray-conversion layer and having an area greater than an area of the light exit surface, and an orthogonal projection of the light exit surface in a direction perpendicular to the ray-conversion layer at least partially overlapping that of the photo sensor.